How to Use a 7.1-Channel Home Theatre Receiver
Audio/video (AV) receivers are an important component in any home theatre system. Modern AV receivers have a variety of different functions, with the primary purpose being to receive audio and video signals from other entertainment devices. The most common signal source devices are computers, gaming consoles, televisions, projectors, radios, and disc-based players. After receiving digital signals, your AV receiver can amplify discrete audio channels, cycle through different AV codecs, and select between different low-frequency audio formats.
What is a 7.1-Channel Home Theatre Receiver?
The number of amplification channels available to your AV receiver will determine how many entertainment devices you can power at any one time. A 7.1-channel AV receiver offers amplification channels for left, right, center, left surround, right surround, left rear surround, and right rear surround speakers. In a 7.1-channel AV receiver system, there is also an input port to connect a subwoofer for low-frequency sound effects. In order to power a 7.1-channel stereo system, you'll need the following supplementary components:
- Speaker Wire and Audio Cables: Although many modern speakers and subwoofers offer wireless Bluetooth connectivity, wired connections are necessary to take full advantage of a 7.1-channel AV receiver. Before setting up and powering output speakers, take the time to read the appropriate instructions, such as the Onkyo AV receiver handbook, and carefully identify the HDMI, USB, RCA, and digital coaxial input ports.
- Speaker System: Whether you're connecting mid-range or full height speakers, make sure the built-in audio codecs are supported by your AV receiver.
- Display Screen: Once your television or projector connects to the AV receiver, you can watch HD content with cinema-quality Dolby Digital Plus surround sound.
How Should I Set Up My 7.1-Channel Receiver?
Before you start connecting cables and speakers, it's important that you understand how the following factors can impact the output signal of an AV receiver:
- Room Placement: There are two main things to consider when placing an AV receiver. Firstly, the receiver connection panel should face towards the wall and be discreetly accessible to all speaker and subwoofer cables. Secondly, position the AV receiver in the area of your living room that gets the most airflow. If you keep your receiver in a small TV stand or cabinet, there is a higher chance of overheating damage.
- Unobtrusive: Appropriate AV receiver and cable management will make a huge difference in the appearance of your home theater system.
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